JPH04282743A - Operation manual forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To offer an operation manual to be easily understood by an operator from an operation manual forming device by judging importance in each processing step of the manual, editing explanation data in accordance with the importance and emphasizing an important explanation sentence. CONSTITUTION:A level storing part 25 stores the level data of the importance of explanation data in each contents of operation required in each processing step stored in an instructing information storing part 21 and an edition change control part 26 changes the address of explanation data in a processing step more than a prescribed level out of addresses stored in a manual forming buffer 14 while referring the importance level of each processing step stored in the storing part 25 and changes the edition contents so as to emphasize the important explanation data included in the operation manual.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an operation manual creation device, and more particularly, an operation manual creation device that edits, creates, and outputs an operation manual necessary for performing the functions of equipment according to an operator's request. Regarding.

0002

[Prior Art] Information processing equipment, word processors, etc.
As the functions of communication devices such as A-devices and facsimile mail devices become more sophisticated, the operations become more complex.
In order to fully utilize the functions of a device, detailed knowledge of the device is required. For this reason, devices have traditionally been accompanied by detailed operating manuals, and operators operate the devices while referring to the operating manuals.

However, as the functions of devices become more sophisticated, operation manuals also become more detailed and thick, making it difficult to make full use of the operation manuals. Therefore, in the past, the equipment itself was equipped with a so-called help function, and when the operator became unable to understand how to operate the equipment, by inserting a help key, etc., the meaning of the key and information matching the operator's request were displayed on a display. It is being displayed on the In such conventional help functions, regardless of the operating status of the device,
When the help key is pressed, help information created in advance is displayed on the display. However, simply displaying such pre-prepared help information on a display does not provide help information appropriate to the operator's skill level or stage of operation.

[0004] Conventionally, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 61-24
As described in Publication No. 3518, the user's input history information and the output information from the application system are analyzed, help items are narrowed down and displayed as a help item table,
When the user selects several items that he/she wants to know in sequence, help information most suitable for the item that the user wants to know is retrieved and displayed based on the user's selection. This help information is created in advance for each help item that the user may request and is stored in the storage unit, and if there is no help information corresponding to the help item selected by the user, the help item selection will be disabled. Expand the range as appropriate and decide which help information to display. Furthermore, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-262120, when the same operator or operators belonging to the same group perform a certain number of operations, or when the operator determines that certain guidance information is unnecessary, It has been proposed to display only appropriate and necessary guidance information in accordance with the operator's proficiency level by prohibiting the display of this guidance information during the next operation process when an instruction is given. The guidance information in this case is also prepared in advance assuming the proficiency level of the operator, and is appropriately selected from the plurality of guidance information and displayed.

Furthermore, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 63-66623, the user can obtain desired information from data regarding the user's personal data and operation history, and data regarding the installation environment and operation history of the terminal device. A method has been proposed that detects an operating method that allows the user to reach a service that is likely to be available in the shortest time and provides it to the user via a display, thereby providing help information that corresponds to the individual's level of proficiency.

[0006] The help information in this case is also prepared in advance assuming the proficiency level of the user, and is appropriately selected from the plurality of help information and output. Also, conventionally,
As described in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-280821, there is a means for storing a series of operation procedures for each operation of an application program, and a means for storing guide help information for each unit of operation. A means for storing the guide request as a set, a means for identifying the guide request from the user/application program, and a means for identifying the guide request from the user/application program. means for creating a series of operation procedure sequences from to the end of the operation; means for searching the guide help information for messages corresponding to each of the listed series of operation procedure sequences; and means for searching the guide help information retrieved by the said means. A means for synthesizing and displaying is provided, and guide request contents (
Using a state flow table in which the state and state flow of the application program are stored in advance, an operation procedure state string is created from the state at the time of the guide request to the desired processing, and then each of the operation procedure state strings is A method has been proposed that searches for guidance messages for a particular computer, and finally synthesizes them in the same order as the procedure and outputs the results for display. The guide help information in this case is synthesized as a set of guide help messages for each unit of status and operation.
Guide help messages for each unit are not edited freely to match the application program, but are synthesized according to a preset sequence of procedures.

[0007]

Problem to be Solved by the Invention However, such conventional help functions, especially,
Regarding the help functions described in Publication No. 8, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-262120, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 63-66623, even if they output help information that corresponds to the individual's proficiency level, etc. Help information is created in advance and stored in a storage unit, etc., and the help information is selected and output as appropriate depending on the individual's proficiency level from among these multiple pieces of help information, so it is not possible to adequately respond to a wide range of requests. Not only that, but the more you try to meet a wide range of demands, the more you need a large storage capacity to store help information.
There was a problem that the cost was high.

[0008] In addition, the help function described in Japanese Patent Application No. 1-280821 allows users to search for guides on specific operating procedures to perform the desired process from the time they have trouble with the operation. In order to display the guide information, it is synthesized as a set of guide help messages for each unit of status and operation, but the guide information is not synthesized by freely combining help messages for each unit. This conventional example also does not sufficiently meet a wide range of demands, and when attempting to meet a wide range of demands, a large-capacity storage unit is required, resulting in an increase in cost.

[0009]Furthermore, conventional help functions are positioned as supplementary functions to the operation manual attached to the device, and it is assumed that the operation manual has been thoroughly read to a certain extent, so it is completely useless. When a beginner operates the device or loses the operating manual attached to the device, there is a problem in that the help function is not sufficient and the device cannot be fully utilized.

[0010] Therefore, the applicant of the present invention has proposed that, when an operation manual is requested together with the input of data necessary for creating an operation manual, the operations in the processing steps to be executed to realize the functions of the device are performed in the processing step. has proposed an operation manual creation device that creates and outputs an operation manual by freely combining explanatory data for each operation (Japanese Patent Application No. 16365/1999).

[0011] However, in this operation manual creation device, the explanatory text is expressed in a single character, so for example, as in a printed and bound manual, important parts of the explanatory text can be identified by color-coding or emphasized characters. The structure is not designed to visually alert the operator compared to the one shown, and there is room for improvement in this respect.

0012

[Means for solving the problem] The invention according to claim 1 includes:
A device for creating an operation manual for a device that realizes multiple functions by combining a plurality of processing steps executed when a predetermined operation is performed, wherein when an operation is performed on the device, the contents of the operation are recorded as operation data. an input means for taking in the data as input, a data storage means for extracting and storing the data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data taken in by the input means, and storing data explaining the operation contents required for each of the above processing steps. an instruction information storage means for storing the importance of explanatory data for each processing step; and an importance storage means for storing the importance of explanatory data for each processing step; Editing control means that edits and creates an operation manual necessary for realizing a desired function by combining explanatory data of operation contents in processing steps, and editing control based on the importance of the explanatory data stored in the importance storage means. and an output means for outputting the operation manual created by the editing control means and the editing change means in a predetermined expression form. The invention according to claim 2 is an apparatus for creating an operation manual for a device that realizes a plurality of functions by combining a plurality of processing steps executed when a predetermined operation is performed, an input means for capturing the operation contents as operation data when an operation is performed; a data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data captured by the input means; an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of the operation content required for the process; an importance storage means for storing the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step; A system information storage means for storing various types of system information inputted and operated, and data stored in the data storage means are analyzed to combine explanation data of operation contents at each processing step stored in an instruction information storage means. an editing control means that incorporates the system information stored in the system information storage means to edit and create an operation manual necessary for realizing the desired function; The apparatus comprises: an editing change means for changing the edited contents of the operation manual edited and created by the editing control means; and an output means for outputting the operation manual created by the editing control means and the editing change means in a predetermined expression form. The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, when a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and a plurality of processing steps are performed according to the operation data. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function that realizes multiple functions by combining and executing multiple functions, the device comprising: a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal; and a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal; A data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual, an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of the operation contents required for each of the above processing steps, and an instruction information storage means for each of the processing steps. The objective is determined by combining the importance storage means for storing the importance of the explanatory data of the data storage means and the explanatory data of the operation contents at each processing step that is stored in the instruction information storage means by analyzing the data stored in the data storage means. an editing control means that edits and creates an operation manual necessary to realize the function, and the editing contents of the operation manual edited and created by the editing control means based on the importance of the explanatory data stored in the importance storage means. and an editing control means and a transmission control means for transmitting the operation manual created by the editing change means to the communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal, In the invention described above, when a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and a plurality of processing steps are executed in combination according to the operation data. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function for realizing a function, comprising a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal, and a device for creating an operation manual from the data received by the reception control means. data storage means for extracting and storing necessary data; instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of operation details required for each of the above-mentioned processing steps; and storage for storing the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step. system information storage means for storing various system information entered in advance to realize each function of the device; and instruction information storage means for analyzing the data stored in the data storage means. Editing control means that combines explanatory data of operation contents in each processing step stored in the means and incorporates system information stored in the system information storage means to edit and create an operation manual necessary for realizing a desired function. and an editing change means for changing the edited content of the operation manual edited and created by the editing control means based on the importance of the explanatory data stored in the importance storage means, The invention as set forth in claim 5 is characterized by comprising a transmission control means for transmitting an operation manual to a communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal, The creating device is characterized in that the device is a facsimile mail device.

[0013]

[Operation] In the invention as claimed in claim 1, for each processing step of a device that realizes various functions by combining a plurality of processing steps, explanatory data of the operation contents necessary for that processing step is stored and input into the device. The function requested by the operator is determined from the data provided, and the operation manual is created by freely combining the explanatory data of the operation contents for each processing step. At the same time, the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step is stored, and the operation manual created according to the importance is re-edited and provided to the operator.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the required capacity of the storage section for storing explanatory data, provide an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of demands of operators, and emphasize important explanatory text to alert the operator. To improve the man-machine interface and make full use of the device's functions by encouraging even beginners to understand and realize the desired device functions even without the attached operating manual. In the invention according to claim 2, when various system information necessary for realizing the functions of the device is inputted in advance, when creating the operation manual according to claim 1, these system information is incorporated into the operation manual. At the same time, the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step is stored, and the operation manual created according to the importance is re-edited and provided to the operator.

[0015] Therefore, by emphasizing important explanatory sentences in the operation manual to call the operator's attention, and operating according to the contents, the system information can also be input and operated. Even if you have forgotten or do not know the functions, you can realize the desired functions of the device by following the instructions in the operating manual, further improving the man-machine interface and making the functions of the device easier and more complete. It can be used for

[0016] In the invention as claimed in claim 3, for each processing step of a device having a communication function that realizes various functions by combining a plurality of processing steps, explanatory data of the operation contents necessary for that processing step is stored. , the function requested by the operator is determined from the data sent from the communication terminal to the device, and the operation at the processing step that should be executed to realize that function is freely available. They are combined and edited and created as an operation manual, and the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step is stored, and the operation manual created according to the importance is re-edited and sent to the operator of the communication terminal. Ru.

[0017] Therefore, an extensive operation manual for explaining the various functions of equipment equipped with communication functions is created to emphasize important explanatory sentences to draw the attention of communication terminal operators. The information can be transmitted in response to a request, and the functions of a device equipped with the communication function can be easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal. Claim 4
In the invention described above, when an operation inquiry from a communication terminal is accepted in a device equipped with a communication function, and various system information necessary for realizing the functions of the device is inputted in advance, the operation manual according to claim 3 is provided. When creating an operation manual, this system information is incorporated into the operation manual, and the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step is stored, and the operation manual created according to the importance is re-edited and sent to the communication terminal. sent to the operator.

Therefore, important explanations in the operation manual are emphasized to draw the attention of the operator of the communication terminal, and by operating the manual according to the contents, the system information can also be entered. Even if you have forgotten or do not know, you can realize the functionality of the device with the desired communication function by following the instructions in the operating manual, further improving the man-machine interface. Device functions can be more easily and fully utilized from a communication terminal.

In the invention as set forth in claim 5, the facsimile mail device receives operation inquiries from the facsimile mail device itself and the communication terminal, and realizes the functions of the facsimile mail device itself and the functions of the facsimile mail device as desired by the operator. The operation manual for the operations necessary to use the service is edited and created, and the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step is stored, and the created operation manual is re-edited according to the importance. provided to the operator.

[0020] Therefore, the important explanatory text in the operation manual is emphasized to alert the operator of the communication terminal, and the service function of the facsimile mail device can be easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal.

[0021]

[Example] Next, a detailed description will be given based on an example. 1 to 16 are claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and claim 5.
1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a facsimile mail device to which the operation manual creation device of the described invention is applied; FIG. 1 and 2 are block diagrams of the facsimile mail device 1,
The facsimile mail device 1 includes a system control section 2, disk control sections 3 and 4, a floppy disk device 5, hard disk devices 6 and 7, a host interface section 8, and communication processing sections FCU1 to FCUn. The system control unit 2, disk control units 3 and 4, host interface unit 8, and communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn are
They are connected by a system bus 9.

The system control unit 2 has an internal memory, a floppy disk device 5, or a hard disk device 6.
, 7 controls each part of the facsimile mail device 1, in particular, writes and reads image data to and from the floppy disk device 5 and hard disk devices 6 and 7, and also controls each communication processing unit FCU.
1 to FCUn, and executes the sequence as the facsimile mail device 1. The facsimile mail device 1 has various communication services such as a proxy communication function, a simultaneous broadcast function, a confidential communication function, a specified time transmission function, a bulletin board service function, a post office box function, and a serial communication function. , the communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn are controlled to execute and control these functions (communication services). In addition, in order to use these functions of the facsimile mail device 1, a communication terminal (for example, a facsimile machine) connected to the facsimile mail device 1 must perform certain operations on the facsimile mail device 1 to request a communication service. According to the present invention, as will be described later, the communication terminal can request the facsimile mail device 1 for an operation manual showing the operation contents of this communication service request.

[0023] Disk control section 3 and disk control section 4
controls the drive of the floppy disk device 5 and hard disk devices 6 and 7, and stores basic programs and various data as a facsimile mail device in the floppy disk device 5 and hard disk devices 6 and 7, in particular,
It stores messages sent from communication terminals and messages sent from a host device (described later).

A host device, such as a computer device, is connected to the host interface section 8, and the host interface section 8 executes communication control with the host device. What is connected to the host interface unit 8 is not limited to a host device such as a computer device, but may be, for example, another facsimile mail device or the like. In addition, this host interface section 8
For example, a DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) that directly connects the host device and the facsimile mail device 1, a communication control unit that connects the host device and the facsimile mail device 1 via a line, etc. are used.

[0025] The communication processing units FCU1 to FCUn are provided as many as the number of storage lines, and each communication processing unit FCU1 to F
As shown in FIG. 2, the communication processing unit FCU1 of CUn includes a network control unit 11, a modem 12, a communication control unit 13,
manual generation buffer 14, encoding/decoding section 15,
Channel control section 16, control program storage section 17, OM
R processing unit 18, data storage unit 19, storage memory 20,
Instruction information storage unit 21, system information storage unit 2
2. Edit control section 23, bus control section 24, level storage section 2
5, an edit change control section 26, and the like.

A line L1 is connected to the network control unit 11,
For example, a telephone line is connected as the line L1. The network control unit 11 is what is called an AA-NCU, and performs automatic call origination and call termination processing. Modem 12 modulates the transmitted signal and demodulates the received signal. The communication control unit 13 exchanges facsimile control signals with a communication terminal (for example, a facsimile machine) connected via the line L1, and executes a facsimile communication procedure.

[0027] In the manual generation buffer 14, operating manuals for various inventions of the present application, which will be described later, are developed. Coding·
The decoding unit 15 encodes the message using a predetermined encoding method, and also decodes the encoded message. The control program storage unit 17 stores a basic program as the communication processing unit FCU1, an editing/output processing program for service information provided by each invention of the present application, an operation manual generation/output processing program, etc., and the channel control unit 16 stores: Each part of the communication processing unit FCU1 is controlled according to the program in the control program storage unit 17 to execute the sequence as the communication processing unit FCU1, and also execute the operation manual generation/output processing of each invention of the present application.

The OMR processing unit 18 detects whether the received message is an OMR sheet message and determines whether the received message is an OMR sheet message.
When the message is on an R sheet, the marks and mark positions on the received OMR sheet are detected from the received message on the OMR sheet, and the detection results are stored in the storage memory 20. Data storage unit (data storage means)
19 stores only the data (telegrams, dial tone, etc.) sent from the other party's communication terminal via the line L1, and stores only the data necessary for creating the provided service information and operation manual. For example, the data required to create the provided service information request command, the operation manual request command, the type of provided service requested (i.e. the type of maintenance management information, etc.), the type of operation manual requested (i.e. the other operator type of service function requested from the facsimile mail device 1), type of the other party's operator (for example, the type of the other party's terminal
D, operator ID, etc.), and data indicating the proficiency level of the other operator.

As mentioned above, the storage memory 20 has an OM
The detection result of the message on the OMR sheet detected by the R processing unit 18 and the message other than the OMR sheet are stored in the floppy disk device 5.
It is temporarily stored when transferring to the floppy disk device 5 or hard disk devices 6, 7, and is temporarily stored when transmitting the message in the floppy disk device 5 or hard disk devices 6, 7 via the communication processing unit FCU1.

The instruction information storage unit (instruction information storage means) 21 stores operation details on the communication terminal required for each of a plurality of processing steps to realize the communication service (function) provided by the facsimile mail device 1. Store descriptive data for. That is, when requesting a communication service from the facsimile mail device 1, a certain operation is required for each of the processing steps P0 to P11, as shown in FIG. Explanatory data explaining the operation details on the communication terminal required for each P11 is stored in advance.

[0031] Therefore, the instruction information storage section 2
1 only needs to store explanatory data for each of the processing steps P0 to P11 necessary to realize each function of the facsimile mail device 1, and as in the past, each function can be adapted to the individual's proficiency level. There is no need to remember multiple types of help information. In addition, the instruction information storage unit 2
1 stores service information such as maintenance management information as explanatory data for each operation content required for each processing step of a series of operations necessary for the service. Therefore, the instruction information storage unit 21 only needs to store explanatory data for each processing step of operations necessary for services such as maintenance management, thereby reducing the memory capacity for storing service information such as maintenance management information. be able to.

The system information storage section (system information storage means) 22 connects the facsimile mail device 1 to the line LI1.
It stores predetermined system information for maintenance and management of communication terminals connected via the facsimile mail device 1, and predetermined system information required to realize the functions of the facsimile mail device 1.
Examples of this system information include, for example, system information for maintenance management such as recording paper model number and toner model number, and system information required to realize the functions of the facsimile mail device 1 such as user ID. NO. , destination ID
．． NO. and destination telephone number (Tel.NO.).

When the editing control unit (editing control means) 23 receives a request for an operation manual, it analyzes the data stored in the data storage unit 19 and determines the type of operation manual requested by the other operator (that is, the operator Determine the intended functions of the facsimile mail device 1) and the operator's proficiency level, and determine the processing steps P0 to P11 necessary to realize the explanatory data of operations required for the intended service and the functions of the facsimile mail device 1. Explanatory data for each operation is read from the instruction information storage unit 21 and edited/edited as an operation manual in the manual generation buffer 14.
create. Further, at this time, if the system information storage unit 22 stores system information necessary to realize the service or function, the operation manual is created by incorporating this system information.

The level storage unit (importance storage means) 25 is
Level data indicating the importance of explanation data for each operation content required for each processing step stored in the instruction information storage unit 21 is stored. The editing change control unit (editing change means) 26 converts the address of the explanatory data for each processing step stored in the manual generation buffer 14 by the editing control unit 23 into the importance level of each processing step stored in the level storage unit 25. Reference is made to change the address for explanation data of processing steps at a predetermined level or higher.

The network control section 11, modem 12, communication control section 13, and OMR processing section 18 constitute reception control means for receiving operation data from a communication terminal, and although not shown, the keyboard of the facsimile mail device 1 or the The control section constitutes an input means for inputting the operation contents as operation data when an operation is performed on the facsimile mail apparatus 1 as a device. Further, the network control unit 11, modem 12, and communication control unit 13 constitute a transmitting unit that transmits provided service information and operation manuals created by the editing control unit (editing control unit 23) to the communication terminal.

Next, the operation will be explained. As described above, when a service request is received from a communication terminal, the facsimile mail device 1 provides the requested service, but if the operator of the communication terminal does not know how to operate it, A manual request is received, an operation manual corresponding to the service (function of the facsimile mail device 1) requested by the operator is created and transmitted to the communication terminal.

That is, when the operator of the communication terminal requests the facsimile mail device 1 for an operating manual, he first calls the facsimile mail device 1 and requests the operating manual. This operating manual requires
This can be done using a tone signal by performing key operations according to voice guidance from the facsimile mail device 1, or the operation manual can be requested using an OMR sheet. for example,
When requesting an operation manual using an OMR sheet, the OMR sheet created in advance for requesting an operation manual is
An operation manual request is made using the MR sheet (see FIG. 4) 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, this OMR sheet 30 for requesting an operation manual includes a start mark 30a, an initial inclination permissible limit determination mark 30b, a guide mark 30c, a mode switching mark 30d, and a rice mold, like a normal OMR sheet. It has a number 30e, a free area division designation mark 30f, an end mark 30g, etc., as well as marks specially provided for requesting an operation manual, such as an inquiry mark 30h, a voice guidance required/unnecessary mark 30i, and a mail type (service information). type) mark 30j, whether or not time is specified, and specified time mark 30k.

[0038] The operator of the communication terminal must complete the OMR sheet 3.
When requesting an operation manual using 0, all that is required is to make a call to the facsimile mail device 1, have the communication terminal (for example, a facsimile device) read the OMR sheet 30, and send it. Next, processing in the facsimile mail device 1 will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the facsimile mail device 1 receives a call (step S
1) Receive a user ID (step S2), and check whether the received user ID is registered (step S3). This user ID is for using the facsimile mail device 1 and is stored in the system information storage section 22. If the received user ID is not registered, error processing is performed (step S4).
), check whether to re-enter (step S5)
. If re-input is to be performed, the process returns to step S2 and the user ID is received; if re-input is not to be performed, error handling and line disconnection are performed and this flow ends (steps S6 and S7). .

If the received user ID is registered in step S3, it is checked whether the ordering is by PB tone (step S8), and if it is PB ordering, the PB ordering is received (step S9). After completing the reception of PB ordering,
Check whether the ordering is normal (step S
10) When the ordering is performed normally, reception of the message is started (step S11). When the reception of all the messages is completed (step 12), it is checked whether the messages were received normally (step S13),
If the message is received normally, the lines L1 to L
n is disconnected and the reception process ends (step S14). In step S13, if the message is not received normally, after performing error processing,
(Steps S15, S14).

[0040] Furthermore, in step S10, if the ordering using the PB tone is not performed normally, error handling (for example, feedback to the communication terminal that the ordering was not performed normally) is performed (step S10). S16), check whether it is re-entered (
Step S17). If re-input is to be performed, the process returns to step S9 and the ordering by PB tone is received; if re-input is not performed, error processing (for example, feedback to the communication terminal to disconnect the line, etc.) is performed. ), the lines L1 to Ln are disconnected (steps S15, S14). Steps S9 to S17 described above are the flow of the normal service request receiving process of the facsimile mail device 1.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the ordering is not by PB tone, the message is received (step S18), and it is determined whether the received message is an OMR sheet message or whether it is for an inquiry, that is, for requesting provided service information. It is checked whether the OMR sheet is for requesting an operation manual (steps S19 and S20). If the request is not an inquiry request (provided service information request or operation manual request), ordering processing using the OMR sheet is performed (step S21). That is, the received OMR
The OMR processing unit 18 reads the mark position on the OMR sheet from the message on the sheet and develops it in the storage memory 20, and the channel control unit 16 analyzes the content of the OMR sheet developed in the storage memory 20 to determine the ordering content. to judge. It is checked whether the ordering has been performed normally (step S22), and if the ordering has not been performed normally, after performing error processing, the line L
1 to Ln are cut (steps S23, S14). If the ordering is performed normally, the message is received, and when all the messages are received normally, the line L1~
The Ln disconnection process is performed and this flow ends (steps S11 to S15).

On the other hand, when an inquiry request (operation manual request) is made in step S20, the process moves to step S24, and it is checked whether the inquiry processing (operation manual request) using the OMR sheet has been carried out normally.
Step S25), if the inquiry request is successfully made, the lines L1 to Ln are temporarily disconnected (step S2
6) Analysis of the inquiry (analysis of the request contents of the operation manual) is performed (step S27).

Next, it is checked whether the content of the inquiry request is normal (step S28), and if the content of the inquiry request is not normal, error processing is performed, for example, the content of the inquiry request to the facsimile machine FS is A notification to the effect that it is not normal is given, and this flow ends (step S29). If the inquiry content is normal, operation manual editing processing and operation manual output processing are performed, and this flow ends (steps S30, S
31).

On the other hand, if the inquiry processing using the OMR sheet is not performed normally in step S25,
After performing error processing, disconnect lines L1 to Ln (
Steps S32, S33). Next, the inquiry analysis process in step S27 will be explained based on FIGS. 8 and 9. Each of the communication processing units CU1 to CUn reads the mark position of the OMR sheet 30 from the received message of the OMR sheet 30 for requesting an operation manual in the OMR processing unit 18, develops it in the storage memory 20, and expands it in the storage memory 20. OMR
The content of the sheet is analyzed by the channel control unit 16 to determine the requested content of the operation manual request.

That is, the channel control unit 16 analyzes the content expanded in the storage memory 20, and as shown in FIG. 8, first determines whether voice guidance is necessary (step R1). If it is determined that there is a mark at the key position of the voice guidance mark 30i on the OMR sheet,
Set the system parameter d0 to a0 (step R
2), Voice guidance mark 30i on OMR sheet
If it is determined that there is a mark at the ``no'' position, the system parameter d0 is set to a1 (step R3
).

Here, the system parameter refers to which processing step P0 is selected next when moving from each processing step P0 to P11 shown in FIG. 3 to the next processing step P0 to P11.
This is a parameter that determines whether to proceed to P11, and is stored in a buffer for storing system parameters formed in the instruction information storage unit 21, as shown in FIG. Note that the system parameter d0 is a parameter indicating whether voice guidance is necessary or not, and the system parameter d1 is a parameter indicating whether voice guidance is necessary.
, d2, and d3 select the post office box or bulletin board, whether or not to specify the time, and the destination ID. You can also select whether to enter No or telephone number (Tel.No), etc., and d4.
stores a parameter indicating whether broadcast is to be broadcast or not.

Once the channel control unit 16 has set whether or not voice guidance is necessary and its system parameters,
Next, it is determined whether the service is a post office box service (step R4).
). When the service is not a post office box service, the system parameter d1 is set to b2 and the post office box number is set to b2. (Serial number given to the message that the user puts in the post office box) is checked (steps R5 and R6). P.O. Box No. If there is, that PO Box No. is stored in the system information storage unit 22, and the process proceeds to the next step (step R7). If there is none, proceed directly to the next step.

If it is not a post office box service in step R4, it is checked whether it is a bulletin board service (step R8), and if it is a bulletin board service, the system parameter d1 is set to b1 and the bulletin board number is set. (Serial number given to the message posted by the user on the bulletin board) is checked (steps R9 and R10). Bulletin board no. If there is, the bulletin board No. is stored in the system information storage unit 22 and the process proceeds to the next step (step R11), where bulletin board No. If there is no, proceed to the next step.

In step R4, if it is not a bulletin board service, it is checked whether it is a normal message (step R1).
2) If the message is not a normal message, error processing is performed and this flow is ended (step R13). If it is a normal message, the system parameter d1 is set to d2 and the process moves to the next step (step R14). Once the system parameters have been set depending on whether it is a post office box, a bulletin board, or an ordinary message, the process moves to step R15 in FIG. 9, where it is checked whether or not the time is specified. d2 is set to d3 (step R16). This system parameter d3
will be set again in later processing.

[0050] When specifying the time, use the system parameter d
2 is set in b3 (step R17), and it is checked whether the designated time is normal (step R18). If the specified time is not normal, error processing is performed and this flow is ended (step R19), and if the specified time is normal, the specified time is stored in the system information storage unit 22 and the destination is Tel. It is checked whether the designation is No (steps R20, R21).

[0051] If the destination is Tel. When the designation is No, the system parameter d3 is set to b4 (step R
22), proceed to the next process. If the destination is Tel. If no is specified, the destination is ID. It is checked whether the designation is No (step R25). If the destination is Tel. N
o, but also ID. If no is specified,
After determining that it is an error and performing error processing, this flow is ended (step R19).

[0052] If the destination is ID. When the designation is No, the system parameter d3 is set to b5 (step R26), and it is checked whether it is a broadcast service (step R27). If the service is not a broadcast service, the system parameter d4 is set to c2 (step R28), and if the service is a broadcast service, the system parameter d4 is set to c1 (step R29). After setting each system parameter in this way, a service code is determined from the set system parameters and stored in the register (step R30).

That is, by detecting and setting system parameters, the type of function (service) requested by the operator of the communication terminal can be determined, and an operation manual corresponding to the type of service requested by the operator of this communication terminal can be prepared. Create it next. Next, this operation manual creation process will be explained based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.

The editing control section 23 first sets the counters α and β.
, γ is set (reset) to “0” (step Q1),
Manual generation buffer 1 of the code of processing step Pα
4 (step Q2). That is, first, the code of processing step P0 is stored in the manual generation buffer 14. Next, the editing control unit 23 reads out the system parameters of this processing step Pα (system parameters d0 to d4, etc. set in FIGS. 9 to 10 above) from the instruction information storage unit 21 (step Q3), and the system parameters are “ 0” (step Q
4). If the system parameter is "0", the address of the explanatory data corresponding to the system parameter "0" and the code of the next processing step Pα are read out in processing step Pα and stored in the manual generation buffer 14 (step Q5).

On the other hand, when the system parameter is not "0", the value of the system parameter dβ is read from the system information storage unit 22 (step Q6), and the address of the explanatory data corresponding to the processing step Pα and the system parameter dβ and the next processing are read out. The code of step Pα is read from the instruction information storage unit 21 and stored in the manual generation buffer 14 as address Aγ (step Q7
).

That is, the processing step Pα and the system parameters correspond as shown in FIG. 13, and once the processing step Pα and the system parameters are determined,
The next processing step Pα is determined, and correspondingly, the explanatory data for that processing step Pα is determined. Therefore, by freely combining the processing step Pα and the system parameters, the next processing step Pα can be freely set, and this processing step Pα
You can freely combine the explanatory data necessary for operation.

In this way, first, the next processing step Pα corresponding to the processing step P0 and the system parameter d0 is
When the address setting of the explanatory data of the system parameter dβ is completed, β+1 is set as the parameter β (
Step Q8), the level of importance for each processing step Pα is read from the level storage unit 25 (Step Q9). Next, it is determined whether the importance level of each read processing step is equal to or higher than a predetermined level (step Q10), and if it is not equal to or higher than the predetermined level, it is checked whether it is the final processing step Pα (step Q12). When the degree of importance is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, the address (change address) of the explanatory data of Pα+x is read from the instruction information storage unit 21 and placed in address Aγ of the manual generation buffer 14, which will be described later.

Next, it is checked whether it is the final processing step Pα (step Q12). Final processing step Pα
If not, return to step Q3 and similarly store the explanatory data in the manual generation buffer 14 based on the next processing step Pα and the importance of the processing step for each processing step Pα based on the system parameters ( Step Q3 to Step Q11). When the above processing is repeatedly executed up to the final processing step Pα, as shown in FIG.
The address of the explanation data is expanded. Alternatively, the address of the explanatory data at the processing step Pα+x read out according to the importance of the processing step is developed.

Therefore, by freely setting the system parameters, a processing step Pα corresponding to each of the plurality of functions of the facsimile mail device 1 can be set, and an explanation of each processing step Pα corresponding to the intended function can be made. Data can be combined freely. Also,
Processing step Pα corresponding to each function is changed to processing step α+x according to its importance, and explanatory data of each processing step Pα corresponding to the target function is changed in combination according to its importance to provide explanatory data for important parts. By arranging it, it is possible to emphasize it more than other less important explanatory data.

Next, the service code stored in the system information storage section 22 is read out (step Q14),
The corresponding header section is taken out and developed at the header position 40a of the operating manual in the manual generation buffer 14, as shown in FIG. 15 (step Q15). Here, counter γ is set to "0" (step Q16),
The explanatory data stored at address Aγ is read and expanded into the operation manual character data area 40b of the manual generation buffer 14 (step Q17).
. In addition, explanatory figures (stored in advance in the instruction information storage unit 21 in association with the explanatory data of the processing step Pα or independently regardless of the explanatory data) and the explanatory figures stored in the system information storage unit 22 The system information (Tel. NO., ID. NO., etc.) is read out, and the image area 4 of the manual generation buffer 14 is read out.
0c (step Q18). When the expansion of each data of the corresponding address γ into the manual generation buffer 14 is completed, it is checked whether it is the final data (step Q19), and if it is not the final data, the counter γ is incremented by 1 (γ=γ+1) and the process is executed in step Q1.
7 (step Q20). Similarly, explanatory data, explanatory figures, and system information for each address Aγ entered in the manual generation buffer 14 are expanded to the manual generation buffer 14, and when the processing is completed for all addresses Aγ, the operation manual editing/generation process is terminated. do.

In this way, manual generation buffer 1
The operating manual developed in 4 is outputted from the facsimile mail device 1 to the communication terminal that has requested the operating manual, and the communication terminal can receive an operating manual 41 as shown in FIG. The operator of the communication terminal who has received the operation manual can receive the desired communication service of the facsimile mail device 1 by looking at the transmitted operation manual and performing the operations as described in the operation manual. can.

[0062] This output process may be performed directly when the generation of the operating manual is completed, or alternatively, it may be sent to the post office box of the facsimile mail device 1 and a request is made from the communication terminal to send the operating manual of the post office box. It may be transmitted at any point in time, and the output method is not limited. In this way, the facsimile mail device 1 as a communication device receives an operation manual request from a communication terminal, and sends the operation manual for operations necessary to realize the function of the device requested by the operator. Explanatory data for each processing step can be freely combined, edited, created, and output.

[0063] As a result, it is possible to generate and provide an operation manual that can fully meet the wide range of operator demands without using large-capacity storage means. In addition, it is possible to provide an operation manual for a series of operations from the beginning to the completion of the operation necessary to realize the functions of the equipment, and also to determine the importance of each processing step and place important explanatory data in the operation manual. Change
Important explanatory text can be emphasized to call the operator's attention, and even a beginner can surely understand and realize the intended function of the device even if there is no operation manual attached to the device.

[0064] Furthermore, when creating an operation manual, the system information stored in the system information storage unit 22 is incorporated in advance to edit and create the operation manual, so the operator can use the contents written in the operation manual as is. By operating the facsimile mail device, a desired service can be requested from the facsimile mail device. Therefore, the man-machine interface can be further improved, and the functions of the equipment can be used even more easily and fully.

[0065]

According to the invention as set forth in claim 1, for each processing step of a device that realizes various functions by combining a plurality of processing steps, explanatory data of the operation contents necessary for that processing step is stored, Determine the function requested by the operator from the data input to the equipment, and create an operation manual by freely combining explanatory data of the operation contents for each processing step to describe the operations in the processing steps that should be executed to realize that function. At the same time, the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step is stored, and the operation manual created according to the importance is re-edited and provided to the operator. It reduces the required capacity, provides an operating manual that is sufficient to meet a wide range of operator requirements, and emphasizes important explanatory text to alert operators, making it easy for even beginners to use the attached operating manual. By making it possible to reliably understand and realize the intended functions of the device even without using the device, the man-machine interface can be improved, and the functions of the device can be fully utilized.

According to the invention set forth in claim 2, when various system information necessary for realizing the functions of the device is inputted in advance, it is possible to incorporate these system information when creating the operation manual set forth in claim 1. In addition to creating an operation manual, the importance of explanatory data for each processing step is stored, and the created operation manual is re-edited according to the importance and provided to the operator. By emphasizing explanatory text to alert the operator and following the instructions, system information can also be input and operated, even if the operator has forgotten or does not know the system information. By performing operations in accordance with the operating manual, it is possible to realize the intended functions of the device, further improving the man-machine interface, and making it possible to utilize the functions of the device even more easily and fully.

According to the third aspect of the invention, for each processing step of a device equipped with a communication function that realizes various functions by combining a plurality of processing steps, explanatory data of the operation contents necessary for that processing step is provided. It determines the function requested by the operator from the data that is stored and sent from the communication terminal to the equipment, and describes the operations in the processing steps that should be executed to achieve that function. In addition to editing and creating an operation manual by freely combining them, the importance of explanatory data for each processing step is memorized, and the operation manual created according to the importance is re-edited and sent to the operator of the communication terminal. Therefore, we have created an extensive operating manual to explain the various functions of equipment equipped with communication functions, highlighting important explanatory text and drawing the attention of communication terminal operators to the requirements of communication terminal operators. can be sent according to
The function of the device equipped with the communication function can be surely understood and easily and fully utilized from the communication terminal.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when a device equipped with a communication function receives an operation inquiry from a communication terminal and various system information necessary for realizing the function of the device has been input in advance, Claim 3 above
When creating an operation manual, this system information is incorporated to create an operation manual, and the importance of explanatory data for each processing step is memorized, and the created operation manual is re-edited according to the importance. Since the message is being sent to the operator of the communication terminal, the important explanatory text in the operation manual is emphasized to alert the operator of the communication terminal, and the content is such that by following the instructions, the operator can also input system information. , even if the operator has forgotten or does not know the system information, by operating according to the operating manual, the device can realize the functionality of the device with the desired communication function, further improving the man-machine interface. This makes it possible to more easily and fully utilize the functions of devices equipped with communication functions from a communication terminal.

In the invention as set forth in claim 5, the facsimile mail device receives operation inquiries from the facsimile mail device itself and the communication terminal, and realizes the functions of the facsimile mail device itself and services of the facsimile mail device as desired by the operator. In addition to editing and creating an operating manual for the operations necessary to use the service, it also memorizes the importance of explanatory data for each processing step.
Since the operation manual created according to the level of importance is re-edited and sent to the operator, important explanations in the operation manual are emphasized to alert the operator of the communication terminal, and the service function of the facsimile mail device is You can clearly understand and use it easily and fully from your communication terminal.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a facsimile mail device to which a device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication processing unit of a facsimile mail device to which the device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a transition diagram of processing steps of the facsimile mail device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an OMR sheet for requesting an operation manual according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing part of the basic processing of the facsimile mail device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the basic processing of the facsimile mail device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the basic processing of the facsimile mail device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing part of the operation manual request analysis process in the facsimile mail device according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the operation manual request analysis process of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system parameter storage buffer of the facsimile mail device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a part of operation manual editing/creation processing in the facsimile mail device according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the operation manual editing/creation process of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the status of processing steps and system parameters stored in the instruction information storage unit of the facsimile mail device according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the status of processing steps and system parameters stored in the instruction information storage unit of the facsimile mail device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing each data of an operation manual developed in the manual generation buffer of the facsimile mail device according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operation manual edited and created according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Facsimile mail device 2 System control section 3 Disk control section 4 Disk control section 5 Floppy disk device 6 Hard disk device 7 Hard disk device 8 Host interface section 11 Network control section 12 Modem 13 Communication control section 14 Manual generation buffer 15 Encoding/decoding Section 16 Channel control section 17 Control program storage section 18 OMR processing section 19 Data storage section 20 Storage memory 21 Instruction information storage section 22 System information storage section 23 Edit control section 24 Bus control section 25 Level storage section 26 Edit change control section 30 OMR sheet for operation manual request 30h
Inquiry mark 30i Voice guidance required/unnecessary mark 30j
Mail type mark 30k Time specification and specified time mark 40
a Header section 40b Character data area 40c Image data area 41 Operation manual

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A device for creating an operation manual for a device that realizes multiple functions by combining a plurality of processing steps that are executed when a predetermined operation is performed, wherein when an operation is performed on the device, the device An input means for importing operation contents as operation data, a data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data input by the input means, and operation contents required for each of the above processing steps. an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data for each processing step; and an importance storage means for storing the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step;
Editing to analyze the data stored in the data storage means and combine the explanatory data of the operation contents at each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means to edit and create the operation manual necessary to realize the desired function. a control means, an edit change means for changing the edited content of the operation manual edited and created by the edit control means based on the importance of the explanatory data stored in the importance storage means; and the edit control means and the edit change means. An operation manual creation device comprising: an output means for outputting a created operation manual in a predetermined representation form. 2. A device for creating an operation manual for a device that realizes multiple functions by combining a plurality of processing steps that are executed when a predetermined operation is performed, wherein when an operation is performed on the device, the device performs a plurality of functions. An input means for importing operation contents as operation data, a data storage means for extracting and storing data necessary for creating an operation manual from among the data input by the input means, and operation contents required for each of the above processing steps. an instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data for each processing step; and an importance storage means for storing the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step;
A system information storage means for storing various system information that has been inputted in advance to realize each function of the device, and each process that analyzes the data stored in the data storage means and stores it in the instruction information storage means. an editing control means that combines explanatory data of operation contents in steps and incorporates system information stored in a system information storage means to edit and create an operation manual necessary to realize a desired function; and an importance storage means. an editing change means for changing the edited content of the operation manual edited and created by the editing control means based on the importance of the stored explanatory data; and a predetermined expression form for the operation manual created by the editing control means and the editing change means. An operation manual creation device characterized by comprising: an output means for outputting the output. 3. When a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and a plurality of processing steps are executed in combination according to the operation data. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function for realizing a function, comprising a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal, and a device for creating an operation manual from the data received by the reception control means. data storage means for extracting and storing necessary data; instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of operation details required for each of the above-mentioned processing steps; and storage for storing the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step. The data stored in the data storage means is analyzed and the explanation data of the operation contents at each processing step stored in the instruction information storage means are combined to determine the importance level required to realize the desired function. an editing control means for editing and creating an operation manual; an editing change means for changing the edited contents of the operation manual edited and created by the editing control means based on the importance of the explanatory data stored in the importance storage means;
An operation manual creation device comprising: a transmission control means for transmitting the operation manual created by the editing control means and the editing change means to a communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal. 4. When a predetermined operation is performed on a communication terminal, operation data corresponding to the content of the operation is received from the communication terminal, and a plurality of processing steps are executed in combination according to the operation data. A device for creating an operation manual for a device equipped with a communication function for realizing a function, comprising a reception control means for receiving operation data from the communication terminal, and a device for creating an operation manual from the data received by the reception control means. data storage means for extracting and storing necessary data; instruction information storage means for storing explanatory data of operation details required for each of the above-mentioned processing steps; and storage for storing the importance of the explanatory data for each processing step. system information storage means for storing various system information entered in advance to realize each function of the device; and instruction information storage means for analyzing the data stored in the data storage means. Editing control means that combines explanatory data of operation contents in each processing step stored in the means and incorporates system information stored in the system information storage means to edit and create an operation manual necessary for realizing a desired function. and an editing change means for changing the edited content of the operation manual edited and created by the editing control means based on the importance of the explanatory data stored in the importance storage means, An operation manual creation device comprising: transmission control means for transmitting an operation manual to a communication terminal in response to a request from the communication terminal. 5. The operation manual creation device according to claim 1, wherein said device is a facsimile mail device.